Under-Canopy Unmanned Tree Marking for Consistent Harvest Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing forests for harvesting are time-consuming, costly, and dependent on human skill and experience, leading to arbitrary and inconsistent markings.
Innovation Solution
A method using an unmanned vehicle equipped with sensors to gather information about objects in the forest, assign object identities, and associate markers with the objects and their identities, enabling automated harvesting decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual marking by foresters is used, then harvesting decisions can be made based on expert judgment, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical marking process with an automated optical system. Sensors capture images of trees, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and mark target trees, substituting human foresters with a machine-based vision system that operates continuously without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification and self-marking of trees. The marking device automatically applies marks to identified target trees without requiring human operators to physically mark each tree, enabling the system to service itself through automated detection and marking operations.
2Reliability
If manual marking by foresters is used, then expert judgment can be applied, but the marking becomes arbitrary and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the subjective parameters of expert judgment into objective, measurable parameters through image processing. The system uses consistent computational algorithms to evaluate tree characteristics, replacing variable human judgment with fixed, reproducible computational criteria that yield consistent results across different operators and time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human cognitive system with an automated image processing system. Sensors capture visual data, processing circuitry analyzes the images to identify target trees, and the system automatically marks them, eliminating human subjectivity and skill dependence while ensuring consistent application of marking criteria.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive object information is gathered, then harvesting decisions improve, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated system where a single platform performs multiple functions: sensors capture images, processing circuitry analyzes the images to identify trees and determine harvesting targets, and marking devices apply marks. This universal system consolidates what would otherwise require separate equipment and operations into one coordinated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of information gathering, analysis, and marking into an integrated system. The sensor unit, processing unit, and marking device operate as a coordinated whole, combining multiple functions into a unified platform that reduces overall system complexity compared to separate manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing for harvesting of forest using an un-manned vehicle (100) configured to move under the canopy in a forest region, the method comprising: for each of at least one object (110) within the forest region: —obtaining, using at least one sensor (120) of the un-manned vehicle (100), information associated with the object (110); —assigning an object identity (ID) to the object (110) based on the obtained sensor information, using processing circuitry (210) comprised in or accessible to the un-manned vehicle (100); and 10—associating a marker (130) with the object (110) and the obtained sensor information or the object identity (ID) assigned to the object (110). The invention also relates to an un-manned vehicle, a harvesting system and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.